Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1277 - 1273: Devouring

Seeing him approach, Lu Wanshan offered a welcoming wave, gesturing for him to take a seat and converse.

Chu Zhiyuan, being a familiar face in this setting, dispensed with pleasantries. He performed a fist-clasp salute before settling into the prominent chair below.

Lu Wanshan set aside the report he was reviewing, moved to Chu Zhiyuan’s side, and after a brief assessment, nodded with clear approval, remarking, "Your cultivation shows continuous progress."

Chu Zhiyuan responded, "Sect Leader, I've reached a bottleneck; advancing further is proving difficult."

"What is difficult for others may not be for you," Lu Wanshan chuckled lightly. "What pressing matter brings you here so late at night?"

Chu Zhiyuan stated, "I've received some information pertaining to my own background."

"Pray tell," Lu Wanshan encouraged with a smile.

Chu Zhiyuan then revealed that he had learned the Imperial Court had been investigating him, diligently uncovering details about his origins and past.

A noticeable shift occurred as Lu Wanshan's smile gradually disappeared, replaced by a growing seriousness.

Once Chu Zhiyuan concluded his explanation, he remained silent, observing Lu Wanshan’s reaction.

Lu Wanshan rose and began to pace, his countenance heavy with thought.

Chu Zhiyuan empathized with his internal struggle.

For a sect leader, such a situation was the epitome of vulnerability, akin to being completely exposed before the might of the Imperial Court.

Lu Wanshan continued his circuit, his expression deepening into a more profound somberness.

Chu Zhiyuan waited with quiet patience.

The sound of footsteps approached, and Zhou Chongming made a slow entrance.

Noticing Chu Zhiyuan and then observing Lu Wanshan’s concerned demeanor and restless pacing, he couldn't help but inquire with a touch of unease, "Zhiyuan, have you displeased Senior Brother?"

Chu Zhiyuan stood and offered a fist-clasp salute. "Elder, did your journey proceed without issue? ... I regret to say I've delivered some unwelcome news, which has clearly agitated the Sect Leader."

Zhou Chongming inquired, "Is it a matter of grave concern?"

Chu Zhiyuan was operating at a very high level now, and the intelligence he had unearthed was undoubtedly significant.

Chu Zhiyuan offered a slow nod, his gaze shifting towards Lu Wanshan.

Lu Wanshan exhaled, then said, "Junior Brother Zhou is beyond reproach and utterly trustworthy; please, speak your mind freely."

Chu Zhiyuan then proceeded to recount the gathered information once more.

Zhou Chongming’s expression turned grave. "Zhiyuan, are you suggesting the possibility of a spy within our ranks?"

Chu Zhiyuan affirmed with a nod.

Zhou Chongming turned his attention to Lu Wanshan.

Lu Wanshan stated with firm conviction, "Every disciple is vetted and has a clean record upon entry; there is no spy among us... or at least, there wasn't at the time of their admission."

Zhou Chongming nodded in agreement and then addressed Chu Zhiyuan. "When disciples are initiated, a heart-questioning test is administered with the mental method. Neither you nor Hongzhao have undergone this specific trial."

"The heart-questioning test..." Chu Zhiyuan mused, "Could there have been an oversight in that process?"

"Impossible," Lu Wanshan declared, shaking his head unequivocally.

Chu Zhiyuan then posed the question, "In that case... could someone have become a spy *after* joining the sect?"

"...It seems unlikely," Zhou Chongming pondered, shaking his head. "The disciples of our Heavenly Sword Sect have no conceivable reason to betray us and align with the Imperial Court."

Lu Wanshan concurred.

He too found the notion highly improbable.

The disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect enjoyed a prestigious position, possessed powerful cultivation techniques, and had access to abundant resources for their practice.

As members of such a revered sect, they had the potential to ascend to the very pinnacle of cultivation; turning to the Imperial Court offered no comparable allure.

The Court could only offer what the sect itself provided: reputation, wealth, and cultivation resources.

"Could the Court have employed alternative methods?" Chu Zhiyuan inquired.

Zhou Chongming shook his head. "The families of our Heavenly Sword Sect disciples are well-provided for and face no external threats or pressures."

"Perhaps... a honey trap?" Chu Zhiyuan ventured, adding, "It is often said that even the most resolute heroes can fall prey to seduction."

Zhou Chongming chuckled. "Within our sect, we have both male and female disciples. Our young men are handsome, and our young ladies are beautiful, forming dedicated cultivation partnerships. Are these bonds not superior to entanglements with outsiders?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head slightly. "It's a different matter entirely. Furthermore, there aren't enough senior sisters to go around; we have a greater number of senior brothers."

Zhou Chongming was left momentarily speechless.

Chu Zhiyuan then offered, "Sect Leader, consider this: it's possible, though the least likely scenario, that the Imperial Court possesses some unique artifact. Such a treasure might allow them to obtain my details without the need for any spies."

"Indeed, that is a highly plausible explanation!" Zhou Chongming exclaimed with sudden agreement.

He turned to Lu Wanshan. "Senior Brother, such potent artifacts do exist within the Court’s arsenal, do they not?"

"...It is difficult to say for certain," Lu Wanshan responded, shaking his head. "But it is not an impossibility."

Chu Zhiyuan added, "Sect Leader, Elder, there remains one more conceivable possibility."

"Please, elaborate," Zhou Chongming urged, his mind already racing with deductions.

His thoughts were in rapid motion.

Chu Zhiyuan hailed from the Little Outer Heaven, and aside from Lu Wanshan, even Zhou Chongming’s knowledge of his origins was limited, primarily relayed through the Sect Leader.

Within the expanse of Biyuan Heaven, only a select handful of elders were privy to the intricate details of Chu Zhiyuan’s past.

Beyond this inner circle, the general disciples were aware that he had ascended from the outer realms, but the specifics of his history remained unknown to the vast majority.

Nevertheless, it was not universally unknown; only a small contingent of disciples possessed this deeper awareness.

Chief among them were Li Hongzhao and Dong Muyu.

Dong Muyu had never left the mountain; could it be Li Hongzhao?

A furrow creased his brow.

Bearing the Phoenix Bloodline, Li Hongzhao hailed from the Royal Family and naturally inclined towards the Court. Such a connection was hardly surprising.

Blood ties, after all, forge the most profound bonds.

However, considering the close relationship between Li Hongzhao and Chu Zhiyuan, it was perhaps imprudent to speculate further.

Chu Zhiyuan then mused, "Assuming no spies lurk within our sect, the leak might originate from Little Heaven Beyond."

Their eyes lit up with revelation.

"When Hongzhao was discovered by Senior Song," Chu Zhiyuan continued, "I initially suspected internal treachery within the sect. But upon reflection, it could have been a mere bloodline intuition. I might have been overly sensitive. I didn't dwell on it."

"The Phoenix Bloodline does possess such sensing capabilities," Lu Wanshan affirmed. "It's not unusual for Senior Song to have found her."

"Sensing is one thing, but to accept her as a disciple immediately—that strikes me as peculiar, wouldn't you agree?" Chu Zhiyuan questioned. "If the Court is aware of Little Heaven Beyond, then this sudden development gains a certain logic."

"Hmm..." Zhou Chongming turned his gaze towards Lu Wanshan. "Sect Leader, this line of reasoning does hold water."

Lu Wanshan nodded slowly. "It seems probable the Court is indeed privy to Little Heaven Beyond's existence."

Should the Court possess knowledge of Little Heaven Beyond, it certainly wouldn't let such an opportunity pass unnoticed.

Over the years, leveraging the Court's established methods and formidable foundation...

"Sect Leader, Elder, neither Hongzhao nor I are unknown figures; our backgrounds are readily verifiable," Chu Zhiyuan stated.

Zhou Chongming let out a deep exhale. "It appears that is indeed the situation we face."

"Since I have managed to investigate Little Heaven Beyond," Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "what of You Meng Heaven?"

"They might have infiltrated it as well," Lu Wanshan speculated. "However, mere knowledge and active intervention are distinct matters."

Chu Zhiyuan pressed, "Why has You Meng Heaven been allowed to operate so brazenly?"

"Perhaps the Court is aware but chooses not to act," Lu Wanshan offered, his expression growing heavy.

What Chu Zhiyuan had proposed as a possibility was indeed an ideal scenario, yet not necessarily the reality.

Even if the Court had successfully infiltrated Little Heaven Beyond, it was by no means guaranteed they had done the same here.

Chu Zhiyuan then conveyed, "Sect Leader, I surmise the Court intends to impart secret techniques to me."

Both elders' gazes suddenly intensified, sharp and expectant.

Chu Zhiyuan continued, "Looking at the circumstances now, the timing appears quite opportune."

"Timing..." Lu Wanshan mused, deep in thought.

"The Court has already resolved to summon the Spirit Venerable," Chu Zhiyuan revealed.

A subtle shift flickered across their faces.

"You mean they genuinely intend to invite the Spirit Venerable?" Lu Wanshan asked, his voice a deep rumble.

"That is the intelligence I received. Surely the Spirit Venerable can be summoned, can they not?" Chu Zhiyuan sought confirmation.

"Spirit Venerable..." Lu Wanshan pondered, his gaze drifting upwards towards the apex of the grand hall.

A faint glow began to illuminate his eyes.

Chu Zhiyuan directed his attention to Zhou Chongming.

Zhou Chongming then spoke, "We too have a Spirit Venerable among us."

"And where is this Senior Spirit Venerable located?"

"Zhiyuan, aside from occasional bouts of homesickness, do you perpetually desire to remain in that place?" Lu Wanshan inquired.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head in response.

The primary issue was the scarce spiritual energy, which proved detrimental to cultivation.

Possessing the Earth Origin Technique allowed him mobility, enabling him to depart at will. He frequently spent days at Prince Qing's Mansion, seemingly asleep.

Yet, this 'sleep' was merely a respite. Upon waking, he would share meals with his family before returning.

"Our Spirit Venerable is also capable of traversing realms. At this very moment, they are likely residing in a higher heavenly realm, enjoying splendors beyond our wildest imaginations."

"Unless the situation becomes absolutely critical, we should refrain from summoning the Spirit Venerable, correct?"

"The individuals from Little Heaven Beyond sought your assistance; what are your sentiments regarding their plea?"

"...I understand," Chu Zhiyuan replied, nodding.

Little Heaven Beyond was now home to his parents and siblings. Were they to implore him for aid, he would undoubtedly assist. However, without those familial ties, the connection would not be as potent.

In such a scenario, if someone from Little Heaven Beyond requested his help, he would lend a hand, considering their past connection. But repeated requests could become tiresome, potentially leading to indifference in the end.

He felt this way, and he suspected the Spirit Venerable might feel similarly, perhaps even more detached.

Therefore, if at all possible, it was best to avoid involving the Spirit Venerable, as each summons served to diminish the bond.

Lu Wanshan retracted his gaze, a sigh escaping his lips. "We must proceed with utmost caution."

Chu Zhiyuan posed the question, "Could the Court possibly deploy their Spirit Venerable against us entirely?"

"That is difficult to ascertain," Lu Wanshan admitted, shaking his head. "We cannot afford to be complacent."

"Shouldn't we endeavor to summon our Spirit Venerable back as well?" Chu Zhiyuan suggested.

"That presents a significant challenge!" Lu Wanshan declared, his eyes falling upon the longsword sheathed at Chu Zhiyuan's waist. "How fares your sword?"

The Golden Sword was then unsheathed, floating gracefully before him.

Gently, Lu Wanshan placed his right palm upon the sword's hilt and closed his eyes.

Chu Zhiyuan could distinctly feel an invisible force, like a probing gaze, meticulously scanning the Golden Sword.

The Golden Sword gave a subtle tremor, emitting a faint white luminescence, seemingly straining against his grip.

Lu Wanshan loosened his hold.

The Golden Sword detached itself from his palm, hovered in the air, then gently slid back into its sheath.

Lu Wanshan shook his head, a note of dissatisfaction in his voice. "It is insufficient; something is missing."

Chu Zhiyuan bowed slightly. "Please enlighten me, Sect Leader."

"The timeframe is too constrained; there is no alternative," Lu Wanshan replied, still shaking his head. "This cannot be rectified through mere aptitude or comprehension; it demands the slow accumulation of time and the deep settling of years."

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "It pertains to the people's sentiment and will, and accumulating merit. Besides these, is there anything else?"

He was acutely aware of the preciousness of this chance.

The profound secrets of the Heavenly Sword were only partially contained within the Heavenly Sword Secret Scripture.

The remaining knowledge, it was likely, was privy only to the Sect Leader.

The present moment was an exceptional opportunity, a gift from the heavens.

By grasping the core mysteries of the Heavenly Sword, he could make significant strides towards attaining the position of Sect Leader.

Lu Wanshan considered this for a moment before speaking slowly. "The essence of the Heavenly Sword resides within the human heart. What is termed public sentiment and merit are, in reality, two forces derived from faith and willingness: faith is what the people's hearts believe, and willingness is what the people's hearts desire. When willingness is fulfilled, it transforms into merit."

"Cough, cough," Zhou Chongming interjected, covering his mouth with a delicate cough. "Sect Leader, I shall take my leave."

Lu Wanshan gave a slight smile and shook his head. "Junior Brother, do not reveal this."

"How could I possibly divulge it?" Zhou Chongming responded. "Knowing it is of no use to me; I am incapable of cultivating it."

Lu Wanshan explained, "The material for the Heavenly Sword is unique, something only possible in antiquity and rarely seen today. It is perhaps only Zhiyuan, with his immense fortune, who has been presented with such a chance."

Chu Zhiyuan stated his intention. "My plan is to acquire the Court's secret technique, then rally public esteem. Subsequently, by vanquishing evil, I aim to harvest public sentiment and merit, thereby facilitating the sword's rapid enhancement."

Lu Wanshan affirmed, "Your strategy is sound, yet the time available is critically short. Should the Spirit Venerable manifest, it might not permit this sword to mature further."

Chu Zhiyuan's brow furrowed. "Is this due to the potential for it to fragment the Court's public sentiment?"

Lu Wanshan nodded slowly in confirmation.

"That is indeed unfortunate," Zhou Chongming remarked. "Is there no other recourse?"

"There is," Lu Wanshan declared. "To rapidly amplify public sentiment and merit, instigating a qualitative transformation, thereby truly forging the Heavenly Sword."

Chu Zhiyuan expressed a hint of doubt. "By eliminating the Undying Evil Venerable, have I not already amassed the majority of public sentiment and merit?"

"It remains insufficient," Lu Wanshan stated. "You may return to Little Heaven Beyond now, can you not?"

Chu Zhiyuan nodded.

Lu Wanshan instructed, "You can absorb the Emperor's Sword of the Little Outer Heaven. One Emperor's Sword will suffice."